Pep Guardiola gives verdict on Man City's Champions League play-off opponents
Manchester City just about did enough to book themselves a spot in the Champions League playoffs with a 3-1 win against Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium and...
by Daniel Orme · The MirrorPep Guardiola has admitted his relief at Manchester City's Champions League progression - but admits facing either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the play-offs will be tough.
It initially threatened to be a very uncomfortable evening for the 2023 European champions as Raphael Onyedika gave Club Brugge a shock lead. But Mateo Kovacic equalised just minutes after half-time.
Joel Ordonez scored an own-goal to put City ahead before substitute Savinho wrapped up the win late on. They will now take on either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the play-offs ahead of a potential clash with Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16.
And after a tricky season, Guardiola was able to breathe a sigh of relief. He said: "In the second half we lifted our soul and our hearts were free.
"For today we are in the next round, that's good. The first half was so academic, we didn't have the spark to do it against a team that defends really well.
"Going to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will be really tough but it's in two weeks and in two weeks we have a few players back, the new signings back, so hopefully we can do two good games."
He added: "I don't know. It has been so unstable this season. Today is a sense of relief to qualify and of course, it is a long season for us."
Guardiola also saved special praise for Kovacic, who scored the goal to set City on their way to their turnaround win. Guardiola said: "Kova was there and he has experience and he scored a fantastic goal.
Who was Man City's man-of-the-match vs Club Brugge? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"I know Kova is able to break the lines in that way. It is something unique, something special. We did it and now it is time to enjoy it because it has been a really, really tough season in the Champions League. We struggled a lot but finally we could qualify and the draw is the draw. We'll see."
Meanwhile, City goalscorer Kovacic has revealed Guardiola did not leave his players under any illusions that they needed instant improvement at the break. Opening up on some choice words from the Spaniard, Kovacic said: "It was good because we came out very well.
"We knew we needed to step up. In the second half, we showed great character to win and go through.The crowd was behind us so amazing atmosphere today."
He added: "It was important because we knew we are here to go through, we have a good team and we came back from 1-0 down. We know we are a great team."
City are back in action this weekend as they face Arsenal in the Premier League. That game takes place at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon
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